HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Northrop Grumman Corp. today announced it has submitted its final proposal revision for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Next Generation Aegis Missile concept definition and program planning procurement.

The new interceptor is a key element of the layered intercontinental ballistic missile defense and will be designed to engage intercontinental, intermediate-range and medium-range ballistic missile threats, Northrop Grumman officials said in a news release. The Missile Defense Agency, or MDA, has said it plans to make multiple contract awards in early 2011 and plans to field the interceptor in the 2020 time frame.

"We're joined by a team of industry experts who have been at the forefront of every ballistic missile defense hit-to-kill interceptor program, including terminal high-altitude area defense, standard missile and ground-based mid-course defense systems. Together, we offer the unique combination of interceptor experience and innovation to develop the next generation of ballistic missile defense interceptors."